FSB (Federal Security Service of Russia)
The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) is Russia's primary domestic security agency, succeeding most functions of the Soviet KGB. It is responsible for counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, combating organized crime, and protecting state security across political, economic, and military spheres. The FSB reports directly to the President of Russia and is one of the country's most powerful security institutions. Alexander Bortnikov has led the service for many years.
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Kyiv shootout between SBU and GUR erupts over alleged FSB plot against Chechen exile leader Zakayev
Ukraine's SBU said it prevented an FSB-ordered plot to assassinate Akhmed Zakayev, the exiled head of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria's government, who was in Kyiv for Independence Day on 24 August. The case targeted Stepan Kaplunov, a Russian-national volunteer and deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) embedded in a GUR special unit. On 2 September, a shootout in Kyiv's Berezniaky district during a search of Kaplunov's apartment left three GUR personnel wounded. Kaplunov and RDK say he was abducted by SBU officers on 23 August and his confession was extracted under pressure; the SBU says his group attacked its investigative team. President Zelensky called the incident 'absolutely shameful,' an SBU official was dismissed, and the DBR and Prosecutor General's Office opened investigations.